Allergic to sanitary pads - any suggestions?

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I used to have a very uncomfortable reaction to both tampons and sanitary pads, the main effect being a burning sensation for about a week after my period and really annoying itching. I started using a Mooncup about 3 years ago and all of those problems disappeared. So I assumed it was something they put in the products.

I gave birth last week and have been using maternity pads. Now I had a 2nd and a 3rd degree tear, but the bit that is giving me most discomfort is the same sensation as I always used to get after my period. I don't have a lot of lochia but do obviously have some, and have my stitches to think of too.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can alleviate this discomfort? I obviously can't just go around without any protections at all.

Cloth san pro.

Have a look at here - i know the lady that runs it and she's lovely - her customer service is second to none.

You may be allergic to the perfumes used on many products, or chemical residues from the bleaching process. Try organic/unbleached pads, they may be a lot better for your skin.

Definitely recommend cloth in that situation - I couldn't stand disposables for the same reason.

Try here or here or just google 'cloth menstrual pads uk' or some such.
Or use the organic disposables, but cloth is so much comfier than anything else, in my opinion.

Another vote for cloth.
Wee Notions are good :)

If you don't fancy cloth, try Natracare, they're sold in most health shops (and some chemists)

Agreeing with everyone else! I ditched the disposable pads about 2 days in and ended up using DS' prefolds and some flat cloth nappies instead, I was so uncomfortable. It was such a massive relief! I think they work out cheaper than cloth sanitary towels, though cloth san pro would probably be even comfier.

I never actually used the nappies on DS in the end with one thing and another but they have had millions of uses elsewhere - under his head/bum/my boobs in bed to save changing the whole sheet in the case of a leak, as changing mats, soaking up the rivers of wee that a baby boy likes to shoot you in the eye with, oven glove when I've lost the real one, mopping up spills of one sort or another, I'm pretty sure they did get used as nappies at some point too, useful for potty training accidents as well! It's been 2 years since I used them as emergency cloth pads and I honestly can't tell now which ones I used and which ones I didn't, they haven't stained at all.

Loved natracare, ordered a load of birthease website.....have them stockpiled for next time!

i may look into this myself...not for childbirth reasons but i have EXACTLY the same problem after my period which seems to be getting steadily more uncomfortable month by month and i never even considered it may be the pads

congrats on the new baby and goodluck

PandaEis have you looked into using a mooncup? Washable pads are an improvement but a mooncup is even better! It's like you can completely forget you are even on your period.

I use wemoon pads, they are pretty good plushpants.co.uk/category/Natural%20Woman.html

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I've ordered some cloth pads and while waiting for them have bought some Natracare pads for in the meantime, and things are already better! PandaEis, I agree with BertieBotts - mooncups are a revelation!

sounds like something i need to get for myself then